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St Aubin could soon be home to an eco-friendly retreat for wellness seekers and nature enthusiasts, if plans to create nine seasonal yurts in a field above the harbour are approved.
Local entrepreneurs Corrine Davey and Pedram Padidar have submitted a planning application to create a seasonal yurt village that aims to meet the demand for sustainable and health-focused getaways.
The proposed site, located in field B845 on Mont de le Rocque, would feature nine yurts erected from April to September each year.
Seven of these circular structures would provide 'glamping' accommodation with ensuite facilities, while the remaining two would house a yoga and meditation space and a communal kitchen area.
Pictured: The plans have been submitted by husband and wife duo Pedram Padidar and Corrine Davey.
The husband and wife duo explained that their vision was to offer guests the feeling of being immersed in nature without sacrificing conveniences or comfort.
"We wanted something that's a cross between the off-grid living that people are seeking but a little bit more glamorous," said Ms Davey.
The concept emerged "organically" from the couple's existing business, Jersey Organic Yurts, which has been providing large round tents for events and weddings for the past 15 years.
"We came up with the idea of creating a yurt wellbeing retreat after potential customers inquired about overnight stays and we had to turn them down," explained Ms Davey.
The retreat aims to cater to what Visit Jersey terms "moment makers" – typically younger visitors in their 30s seeking unique, Instagram-worthy experiences.
Plans include offering activities such as yoga classes, meditation sessions, sound healing, and farm-to-table dining experiences. Guests will also have the opportunity to learn about and engage in sustainable growing practices.
Pictured: If plans are approved, the site would feature nine yurts erected from April to September each year.
This reflects how environmental consciousness is at the heart of the proposal.
There will be allotments and green spaces between the tents to introduce more biodiversity to the field.
By dismantling all structures during the winter months, the project ensures minimal long-term impact on the landscape.
With no cars on site, guests would be provided with e-bikes or bikes and encouraged to take the bus.
Community involvement is another key aspect of the proposal.
Ms Davey envisions collaborating with other businesses in the area, who she says have been supportive of the project.
She said: "Everyone has been very receptive. 'It's exactly what Jersey needs' has been the response we're getting all the time."
The project has also garnered support from key industry bodies, including the Jersey Hospitality Association and Genuine Jersey.
"We're really appreciative of it," said Ms Davey. "The hospitality industry really does pull together."
Ana and Marcus Calvani, who run the Jersey Hospitality Association, said they were "pleased to see new sustainable and eco-friendly accommodation" that "align with what visitors are expecting to experience during their travels to Jersey".
Visit Jersey were particularly supportive of the project which they said has the potential to tap into key demographics
A comment published on the planning website by Visit Jersey's Head of Product said the proposal will address the growing demand for self-catering accommodation coupled with a current lack of dedicated eco-accommodation.
The organisation's research also indicates that 60% of visitors aged 55-74 are interested in nature-oriented destinations, with nearly a quarter preferring unique, "quirky" self-catering options.
Additionally, they said that the plan to include an accessible yurt could help Jersey capture a share of the significant accessible tourism market, with one in four UK travellers having accessibility requirements.
The organisation also praised the proposal's focus on sustainability, citing research showing that 75% of global travellers plan to prioritise sustainable travel in the coming year.
"The proposed sustainable glamping site/retreat clearly aligns with the interests and needs of our visitors, and brings a new, authentically Jersey offering to the island's visitor economy," Visit Jersey concluded.
"It offers an authentically Jersey experience that could significantly enhance our island's tourism offerings."
The business is hoping to open the yurts by next April, subject to planning approval.
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